petesbox Hi All Having recently acquired an old strong box/safe I thought Id share some images here and hope someone may be able to shed some light on its age and origins. I think I’ve managed to a ascertain that the lock is an early Chubb “kidney lever” lock and Peter Gun has kindly responded to me with the following information: “ The marking ‘New Patent’ refers to the patent registered on 20th December 1833. This employed a modified Detector and shape to the levers. A further Patent was registered in 1847” Would love to know more and what I should do to maintain/clean the lock and box. I haved looked but Will look again for serial numbers and provide measurements thickness of plate shortly. Many thanks Pete.
Paul Prescott The serial number on these iron door locks is usually found on the underside of the lock. To access it remove the rectangular brass plate (third picture) and it will give access to the back of the lock itself. There will be a smaller brass plate there with the number and other markings on it.
petesbox oldlock wroteThe serial number on these iron door locks is usually found on the underside of the lock. To access it remove the rectangular brass plate (third picture) and it will give access to the back of the lock itself. There will be a smaller brass plate there with the number and other markings on it. Hi Oldlock Thanks for the info believe it or not I had actually just worked it out and you are indeed correct behind the nameplate is a smaller one with the serial on it which reads 17961 I have again been in contact with Peter Gunn who kindly advised me that it is in fact one of the earliest locks (1837) he has had brought to his attention and believes the strongbox was made in Cowcross Street London. The dimensions of the box are 201/2 inches high by 26 inches wide and 20 inches deep the plate is approx. ⅜ inch thick.Also Interesting to note this is a fiver lever and each lever was punched with a sequence of dots to indicate the order of fitting. Would love to know who they made the box for? Any tips on cleaning restoration welcomed 🙂 . [unknown]
